Each to thier own. jake-the-peg,
no-one wants to tell you how to spend your money, or which good causes should benefit, however as I read your very valid points, I thought of a saying/phrase that our American friends love to quote, it goes:
If you are reading this, thank a teacher,
If you are reading this in English, thank a soldier.
The poppy is a visible sign of the sacrifice others made, and are still making, and that people who have, and have not been in the services appreciate that sacrifice.
Go and thank a soldier